Credit Cards

For many Americans, summertime means big transitions: new jobs, new cities, and often even new homes. And as just about any homebuyer can attest, a mortgage is often just the beginning in a series of sizeable new bills. You may need to make some immediate repairs, or you may need to buy new furniture or …

A debit card looks like a credit card — and functions like one at the cash register — but acts as a direct link to your bank account. When you pay for something with a debit card, the money for that transaction comes directly out of your checking or savings account, but you’re spared the …

If you’ve been looking for a simple way to earn travel rewards on all of your purchases, the brand new Discover it® Miles credit card might be exactly what you’re looking for. Unlike other popular cards that force you to keep track of rotating categories, the Discover it® Miles card promises to award you with …

If you’ve been looking for a no-fee credit card with plenty of perks, look no further than the Discover it® card. Not only does this card offer 5% cash back on categories that rotate each quarter, but it also offers other perks such as a free FICO score on your monthly statement, a new FreezeIt …

The best hotel rewards programs ease the burden of high-cost travel, which is a good thing since traveling with a family can be prohibitively expensive. After all, airfare and lodging for four people can be a budget-breaker. A 2013 survey from American Express showed that the average travel expense per person in the United States …

While most people think of credit card rewards as a way to pursue international travel on a budget, it’s important to note that the same programs offer plenty of opportunities for domestic travel as well. Even if you have no desire to travel outside of the U.S., you can find plenty of value all over …

Have you ever wondered how some people can afford to travel so often, or so luxuriously? While you’re stuck at work, some people you know are frolicking through cities like Paris and London, dancing the night away at the hottest night clubs, or relaxing on some of the world’s most beautiful beaches – and all on an …

Have you ever wondered how some people can afford to travel so often, or so luxuriously? While you’re stuck at work, some people you know are frolicking through cities like Paris and London, dancing the night away at the hottest night clubs, or relaxing on some of the world’s most beautiful beaches – and all on an …

Paying credit card interest is painful enough. Figuring out how that interest is calculated? That’s almost as bad! The entire process is rife with complexity — and not always set in stone. Still, if you’re carrying a balance on a credit card, you should know the science behind how much interest you’ll ultimately pay. This …

With a $450 annual fee, it’s fairly easy to assume that the Platinum Card® from American Express isn’t worth it. However, a closer look at the card’s many benefits might be enough to convince you that the perks are more than worth the price you’ll pay to be a Platinum cardholder. Let’s start with those …

Unless you have enough cash to finance your entire life, you’ll probably need credit at some point. Whether you’ll need to take out a mortgage to buy a house, take out a car loan, or borrow money to start a business, a good credit score – and a positive credit history – are criteria any lender …

Credit cards are complex financial tools that get a lot of praise – and a lot of flak. When used properly, they can work as a powerful complement to your financial plan. Likewise, using a credit card improperly can wreak utter havoc on your finances. Here we aim to clear up some of the mystery surrounding …

When it comes to paying off high interest credit card debt, you might be surprised to hear that getting another credit card could actually provide be the key. That’s because, some credit cards give you introductory 0% interest for a period of time often a year. The Chase Slate® gives you 0% for a full …

The best balance transfer credit cards will save you money on your current credit card debt. If getting out of debt is a top priority in 2015, you’ll want to make the move to one of the cards below. How can you cure your credit card debt with another credit card? Well, the main reason …

While prepaid cards were once a last resort for those who couldn’t qualify for a traditional bank account, new features have moved some of the best prepaid cards into the mainstream. According to a Nilson report, prepaid cards with the top 50 U.S. Banks and credit unions accounted for $118.09 billion in spending at merchants in …

Featured Cards Chase Freedom® BankAmericard Travel Rewards® Credit Card Ink Cash® Business Credit Card read more read more read more Apply Now Apply Now Apply Now If you’re looking for a credit card you can keep for the long haul, the best credit cards with no annual fee should be at the top of your …

The average American family of four with two kids under 11 spends somewhere between $647.80 and $1,290.60 per month on food, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. That’s quite a spread, and further proof that you can almost spend as little or as much as you want at the grocery store. The thing is, …

More and more newlyweds are putting off their honeymoons. A lot of busy couples reach this decision because of scheduling conflicts, while others simply see no hurry to rush it. But other soon-to-be-married couples are putting off their honeymoons for one reason only: money. In many cases, that’s probably an excellent decision. While it’s certainly …

If you’re looking to plan an upcoming summer vacation, the best travel rewards credit cards can help you come up with some extra savings on airfare, hotels, and general travel. All of these top travel cards offer lucrative points bonuses and superb options to earn and use points for maximum value. The best travel rewards …

Books worth budgeting for

My new book, The Simple Dollar: How One Man Wiped Out His Debts and Achieved the Life of His Dreams, is available in bookstores now. Check out some of the life-changing experiences the book has given readers!

Check out my book, 365 Ways to Live Cheap, available in bookstores everywhere! It's filled with 365 great tactics you can apply to your personal finances, from frugal tips to great ideas for managing your money.